Homestead Bill getting ready but fate uncertain

Though the UPA government has been unable to ensure smooth passage of key legislations,the Ministry of Rural Development Thursday circulated draft copies of the National Right to Homestead Bill,2013,for inter-ministerial consultation.

Though the UPA government has been unable to ensure smooth passage of key legislations,the Ministry of Rural Development Thursday circulated draft copies of the National Right to Homestead Bill,2013,for inter-ministerial consultation. The ministries are expected to give their feedback on this proposed entitlement-based legislation in 15-30 days.

The Indian Express had reported on March 14 that the ministry was drafting the Bill that promises every landless and homeless poor family in rural areas a homestead of not less than 10 cents (0.1 acre or 4,356 sq ft).

It says the right to homestead has to be enforced within five years from the date when the law is enacted. The draft Bill is similar to the MGNREGA that ensures 100 days of employment a year for each rural household.

The proposed Bill is part of the demands made by Ekta Parishad,an activist movement of community-based organisations and individuals,in Agra last year. Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh had agreed to look into it.

But the future of this draft Bill is bleak as other electorally-crucial legislations that were promised by the government are hanging fire. The food security Bill and the land acquisition Bill could not passed in the Budget session of Parliament that was adjourned sine die last week. The government is now mulling over options like promulgating ordinance for these pending Bills.